It rained, the wind gusted and thunder boomed, but in the end, freedom won at the 2010 Patriotic Evening.
Despite lousy weather all day until a few hours before the fireworks launched, thousands of people came to Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks to celebrate freedom and patriotism. They were treated to a wonderful fireworks presentation and fun throughout the night.
There were a few changes to the latest program; 10-year-old Sophie Robitaille of Crystal River rejoined us to sing the National Anthem. However, she came back on stage minutes later to sing stirring versions of America the Beautiful and Proud to Be An American.
First Baptist Church brought its choir onstage to perform a well-received patriotic medley. And then it was time for 2009 Cooter Idol winner Ricky Mitchell and his band Neon Truckers to amp up the energy level before the fireworks.
The evening saw more than 20 non-profit organizations with food or information booths, the largest number yet. Before everything began, The Dream Society's Firecracker 5K had more than 100 runners in its second year at the Patriotic Evening.